His caregivers are getting quite fond of him too.Back at the ranch is were we go to rest and relax.

Never mind the work that has to be done.

And who cares about the stack of medical and vet bills piling up?Visions of sugarplums, dreams of another life. Take walks while you still can. Enjoy life at whatever age cause you never know when you are going to go.When you don’t feel well along the way take rests. Energy conservation keeps you going.Don’t be afraid to confront the truth. Denial only works for so long.

A final resting place may be the best place,

for these creatures we love.Thank you Lassen for being the best buddy a human could have.

Thank you for hanging in through the holidays and the biggest crisis of our lives.

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34 thoughts on “The End of Paradise”

I’m sorry to hear of Lassen’s passing. I know I can’t understand the full depth of your pain on two fronts (because only you know), but I can offer my sincerest sympathy. Hang in there, even though it’s hard.

I’m at loss for words. A big hug to you all, with a crying and a smiling eye. xo
You know you love and live for real when your most Valuables are not to have for any money in the world.
I’ll cross my fingers. All the best, all shall be well,
Dina

P.S.
Please excuse my “all shall be well” (Mother Julian of Norwich), I was murmuring it as I read your sad story, It’s my way of comforting myself and of course they’re not appropriate as comforting words for you in this situation. So sorry, so terribly sorry for you. xo

Oh Jo I am so sorry! Lassen and I had a secret bond when we met. He had the same birthday 7/25 that my soulmate pup Simba had. I am sure he is still watching over you and Roy! We all will send lots of love and light and prayers for Roy, rockin’ the treatment. My dad has cancer too and goes into surgery tomorrow to remove most of not all of his stomach. Big changes are coming.
Depending on how things go, maybe the pups and I can come up and visit you again soon-ish? Let me know if you are up for it. I know you are surrounded by puppy love, and kitty love, … 🙂
❤ Julie, Ku, Nalle, and kitty sisfur Zoe

Yes Julie I remember how you connected and the photo I caught of it. And YES Lassie is still here. I don’t know if he is watching over me.
Yes a visit would be nice in the spring before it gets too hot. We have a surprise coming. My lips are sealed. Sorry to hear about your dad. Changes is right. Care giving can take a lot out of you. Take care of yourself so you can help take care of him.

Hi Jo,
I am so sorry for your loss. I think the real truth that I don’t get another dog is that I loved mine so much I can’t bear to go through the pain of loosing another. The loss is so great. My heart breaks for all that you are going through. I am glad you are so strong. Big Hug! Prayers to you and Roy.

Hurt, hope, pain and love are inextricably bound. It all depends on perspective. It doesn’t ease the sorrow, but you certainly have a great perspective. Lassen loved and was well loved. A legacy we should all hope to have.

crying right now… and then came a huge overwhelming of emotion..thinking of you. dealing with Rockin Roy and Lassen ….you have the strength of a true Cowgirl !! Thanks for sharing your personal life with us,,,, I learn from others… it makes me stronger …. Love you,,,,, Hugs ,,, Jilly

Oh honey I want to give you a hug. You are right. One big thing I have learned as a cowgirl is to be tough. When you get bucked off you get on again….and again and again LOL XOXO Love you, big hugs to you too.

Jo….you write so eloquently about your life (highs and lows). Remember, sometimes it is the hard times that remind us how important life is to us. You are a brave soul. My prayers are for you and Roy at this time. Lassen is probably resting in a field of clover and smiling down on you and his dog buddies. Take care and thank you for being you!

Oh Jo, my heart and prayers are with you and Roy, during this oh so challenging time. I know all too well what it is like to have your husband and best friend experience a life threatening disease. I found staying in the present and not looking ahead helpful in staying focused to fight the battle with him.
And loosing Lassen so soon breaks my heart. With 3 of your precious pups passing so young makes me fear for Bailey. Our first Golden Dodger lived a long life of 15 years.
Kay Rodriguez

Your points are all well taken coming from experience. I am in the present but once in awhile anxiety creeps in with regard to what the future holds. Try not to worry about Bailey. Golden’s overall are prone to cancer. Whether it is directly increased in my line of dogs is yet to be said. Bailey is of English Cream mix unlike Kelsey and Madison who were strictly American Golden’s. The English have lower cancer rates although I have to research this more. My sisters American Golden died last year at age 15. Take Care, Thanx for your kind words.

So sorry to read this, a reminder for us all that shit happens when you least expect it. Your beautiful golden had the best life and you and your husband will go on to enjoy life with the other four legged members of the family. Joy

Jo, so glad to hear from you and so saddened by your news. Sending you one giant {{hug}} because we all need them when our hearts hurt. You have been in my thoughts an prayers ever since your last post. Sending you strength and hope and love for you and Roy.
Kelly

Hi Jo and co.,
I have been wondering about you and yours. You are in my thoughts a lot. {Sigh} Sorry to hear about Lassen, what a great dog he was!
And I almost called about Roy, it was on my to-do list for this weekend (to check in…). Every time I pass the trauma waiting area I send up a quick prayer… Tell Roy I said to hang in there, my radiation was probably a lot milder, but I do recall… It seemed like it took forever…and so tired. Chicken soup and lightly toasted sour dough bread… Sending prayers his way.
Take good care of yourself,
Love Cheree

oh………that is so terrible to lose a loved one. I lost my boxer, Lizzy, on 04 Aug 2014 and there’s not a day that i dont miss her terribly. She had Lymphoma. My heartfelt condolences to you. Nothing can replace the void left by them.

Jo, your candid, heartfelt, and poetic words and your gorgeous photos have been an enormous inspiration for me and a reminder to me to slow down and and take the time to fully appreciate the people (and critters) in my life. Keep on writing! Many blessings to you and Rockin’ Roy.

Hi Kathleen, good to hear from you and nice to hear your comments. The encouragement means a lot coming from you as a journalist. This blog has been an avenue for me to showcase my photography and tell about my life and most of all learn how to write which I have always wanted to do. My style and ability to draw in readers is evolving and improving. Wonderful to connect. Hugs, Jo